SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON admitted losing Jonathan Woodgate from his Euro 2004 plans due to injury would be a "big blow" for England as he was left fearing another central defensive setback.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON admitted losing Jonathan Woodgate from his Euro 2004 plans due to injury would be a "big blow" for England as he was left fearing another central defensive setback.

However, he has not yet given up hope that both Woodgate and Gareth Southgate, who is also doubtful to play again before the end of the Premiership season, will recover in time for the tournament.

Eriksson was dealt a third central defensive blow in just a few months when Woodgate pulled a thigh muscle in Newcastle's weekend victory against Chelsea.

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson immediately revealed, "It is a three to four-week injury but it could be six. Portugal? I am not saying he is out for that. That's in June and we are still in April."

Eriksson yesterday admitted, "If he's not available for Portugal then it would be a big blow for us, for sure. He's been playing very well recently. I still hope that he can be available but I'm not sure any more."

Woodgate has played just three times for Eriksson, due initially to his international suspension following his court case and then due to a plethora of injury problems.

However, he was in contention with John Terry to replace Rio Ferdinand, who has been ruled out through his ban, while Southgate is also facing a race against time to recover from a knee injury.

Eriksson, who has a further injury worry over Sol Campbell's groin, is due to name his provisional 23-man squad for the tournament on May 17, two days after the end of the Premiership season.

However, while Ledley King and Wes Brown are therefore - at least theoretically - on standby, he does not have to reveal his final squad until June 3, giving him two further weeks in which to assess any fitness doubts.

The England coach, who has already lost keeper Chris Kirkland from his plans, admits he already knows at least 20 of the 23 players in his likely squad.